Resolutions: Time trumps diet

Whether you make resolutions or not, you may begin the New Year with hopes and good intentions. Or with some personal goals. Those who make resolutions are shifting away from a focus of weight loss and fitness toward enjoyment of life, friends and family, according to polls by General Nutrition Centers.

For the 2001 poll, 55 percent promised to eat healthier, 50 percent resolved to exercise more and 38 percent wanted to lose weight. In November 2001 a study by the American Institute for Cancer Research in Washington, D.C., found 56 million Americans had been on a high-fat, high-calorie binge since Sept. 11.

But in 2002, how people spent their time trumped diet and exercise: 67 percent of Americans vowed to enjoy their lives more and 59 percent promised to spend more time with family and friends.

Last year's study found more people resolved to "manage stress better" and "show more patriotism" than lose weight.